Mama Says

If you were strolling over to Market Square last fall, you’ll remember the large mural that was painted on the wall of the old Family Dollar before it was demolished for the new Fries & Schuele project. That mural was part of the first City Xpressionz Aerosol Festival. This year, Cleveland Public Art is gearing up for an even bigger festival, the results of which will be visible to even more Clevelanders. But the center of the graffiti universe will still be our own Near West Side.

On Saturday, 8/30, from noon-7 PM, head to Lorain & West 25th. There, running parallel to Open Air at Market Square, there will be an aerosol art exhibition and competition. Free paint samples from Montana Colors, street painting with Cleveland Museum of Art. The competition starts at 2 PM with judging at 4 PM. And for the after party including informal black book show and DJ, come to 1300 Gallery on West 78th Street from 7-11 PM.

Then, on Sunday, 8/31, from noon-6 PM, visiting artists will create a 14’x48’ canvas to be hung on an area billboard. This will happen a few blocks north of Market Square, at CIG (West 25th & Church). There will be a public demonstration from 2-3 PM, and a wind-down party (again at 1300 Gallery) from 6-10 PM. During the party, films on graffiti art will be shown from 7-9.

Artists pay a registration fee, but otherwise the events are free and open to the public. call 216/621-5330 for details.

ParkWorks and Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland have managed to pull together the resources to keep up Wednesday afternoon art time through August 20th. Come by the park at Orchard School, West 41st and Bailey, on any and every Wednesday afternoon at 3 PM to join in the fun and creativity. It’s a free program, thanks to the generosity of the St. Ann’s Foundation and ParkWorks. Questions, call Nora Romanoff at ParkWorks, 216/696-2122 x124.

I do not, for the record, hate TV. Actually, I’m very grateful to the electronic babysitter for the numerous occasions on which it has provided me with free, pretty good entertainment and even education for my little kids when I need a few minutes to myself.

I do, however, believe quite seriously that the importance of the TV in American family life lies at the root of practically every problem from the increase in the incidence of diabetes to low voter turnout. And I also think that as pure entertainment goes, the home screen — no matter how big or fancy or digital — will never exceed the family fun potential of a screen that’s measured in feet rather than inches.

So thank goodness for the return of the Cinema at the Square series.

From now until school starts, the series will present classic movies every Thursday through Sunday, projected onto the Palace Theatre’s enormous screen. Cost is only $5 for adults and $4 for kids under 12. Or you can get a season pass for the six remaining films in the series for only $15! If you want to buy general admission tickets in advance, visit the box office at 1519 Euclid Avenue, call 216-241-6000, or visit any tickets.com outlet.

We’ve already missed the Sing-Along Wizard of Oz, but there are still plenty of great films left on the schedule. Showtimes are as follows: Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30, and Sundays at 2:30.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, THU 8/7 & SAT 8/9

Mary Poppins, FRI 8/8 & SUN 8/10

Some Like It Hot, THU 8/14 & SAT 8/16

The Sting, FRI 8/15 & SUN 8/17

The Birds, THU 8/21 & SAT 8/23

Giant, FRI 8/22 & SUN 8/24

—thanks to Simona Epuran for the tip

Come create a pinata or decorative item with Janet Verry.

On Friday, 8/15 from 10 AM - noon, Janet will be showing kids how to create with paper mache. Guests are asked to contribute $5 per child for materials, and kids under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP required so that Janet can let you know if the event must be rescheduled on account of rain.

Call 216/252-1643 and leave names and ages of children, and your phone number.

For two evenings, Friday, 8/22 and Saturday, 8/23, Lincoln Park will provide the venue for free performances that are part of the Ohio Ballet Summer Festival. This outdoor performance series highlights the Ohio Ballet’s extensive repertoire.

The Friday evening of the summer series features an educational program called Turned Out Tikes, an interactive session, which introduces small children to the magic of dance by teaching them basic ballet moves. Performances begin at 8:45 each evening; the children’s program starts at 7:45 on Friday. Bring your chairs, blankets, picnics, family, and friends.

Lincoln Park is bordered by Kenilworth and Starkweather, West 11th and West 14th, in the heart of Tremont.